Alcohol suspected factor in Rapides Parish crash

RAPIDES PARISH, LA — Early this morning, a single vehicle crash seriously injured a man from Alexandria, LA.

Troopers responded to the crash around 2:30 a.m., which occurred on LA Hwy 498 in Rapides Parish. The crash involved a 2000 Toyota SUV, driven by Roy L. Franks Jr., 42. The Toyota was westbound on LA Hwy 498 when Franks Jr. lost control and exited the right side of the roadway before colliding with a utility pole. After colliding with the utility pole, the vehicle began overturning before becoming fully engulfed in flames.

It is believed that Franks Jr. was not wearing his seatbelt and was ejected. He was transported to Rapides Regional Medical Center in serious condition.

Routine toxicology tests and charges are pending. The crash remains under investigation.

Motorists must be reminded that alcohol has many effects on the body. Alcohol can impair visual ability, alter sense of time and space, impair fine motor skills needed to operate a motor vehicle, and decrease reaction times. Just one drink may cause these effects.